Huddle - Dec 2014

huddle St Aidan’s

DECEMBER I 2014

Editor Cassandra Erbs

contents

Contributors Karen Spiller, Kim Wickham, Mark Bell, Sue Russell, Wendy Biggs, Gaye Brown, Louise McGuire, Nathan Beveridge

Leadership

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Design Annie Fanning

Strategic Plan

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Senior School

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Arts

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Junior School

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Sport

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Community

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Staff

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Alumni

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Photography Athena Zelandonii , Brooke Petro, Cassandra Erbs, Annie Fanning

St Aidan’s

Printing Print Systems Australia Editorial queries, feedback and change of address E: marketing@staidans.qld.edu.au

Front Cover - Brynlea Gibson won the National iAward - Secondary Student category for her ongoing multimodal ICT based project titled ICTinMe. Disclaimer The Editors have gone to great efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information compiled in this publication but can accept no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. Although the Editors support the right of expression by members of the student body and other writers, we wish to make it clear that the views expressed by individual authors are not necessarily those held by the Editors or St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Corinda.

the first word A handful of highlights from our 85th year included the Commissioning of our Chaplain Rev. Gillian, commencement of the refurbishment of the Archer and Templeton Science and Technology Centre, welcoming Sister June Ruth back for her 70 year reunion and a number of our girls for their 60 year reunion, the celebration of 25 years of rowing, the launch of Born to Fly III (our alumni book), winning the Percentage Cup in Cross Country and Athletics as well as taking out the awards for Australia’s Favourite School Library and best school team for the International Women’s Day Fun Run. What all of these have in common, is they are about our community and the people within it. Relationships are at the core of what we do in our quest to be the very best school we can be and to give our students every opportunity for their futures. The redevelopment of the Science Centre was initially made possible by a significant donation by a past student who so valued her education and time at St Aidan’s she wanted to ensue current students continue to have excellent resources. The rest of the School community have supported this vision through further donations of over $300,000 to make the project a reality.

Karen Spiller PRINCIPAL

I can assure the School family it is these relationships that remain central to our focus and allow us to offer a personalised and rich school experience for our girls.

In the face of the many changes and challenges that confront our educational system and, in fact, our broader Australian community, I truly believe if we can get relationships right in our school, then our girls will enjoy their school experience and achieve their best possible educational outcomes and then in turn will contribute to the wider local, national and international community.

This edition of the Huddle captures a glimpse of some of the focus of the last few months, of the achievement, joys and service that are all part of life at St Aidan’s. I commend it to you.

Karen Spiller

MBA, MEdAdmin, BA, BEdSt, FACE, FAIM, FACEL, FAHRI, FAICD, FCEOI Fellow of Bond University

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2015 student leaders - leadership

PREFECTS: Emily Bishop Rebecca Black Shelly Chae Abi Langford

HyeJeong (Sophie) Lim Hannah Mullis Morgan Richards Georgina Robertson Bronte Scott Laura Sharkey Erin Sundstrom

Madison (Madi) Trainor Skyler Trivett Genevieve Vuong Makenzie Wilde Ella Wilson SACRISTANS: Bronte Scott Genevieve Vuong

Congratulations to our 2015 Student Leaders Above our 2015 - VICE CAPTAIN: Laura Sharkey and SCHOOL CAPTAIN: Rebecca Black

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ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS Caitlyn Bowell Jessica Gralton ATHLETICS Erin Sundstrom Madison Trainor BADMINTON Sienna McInnes-Smith Lily Zeng BASKETBALL Jessica Gralton Georgia Rowe CROSS COUNTRY Laura Sharkey Rhoda Thornton EQUESTRIAN Kate Prostamo Isabella Wilkinson-McIntyre HOCKEY Madisen Gill Anna Legge NETBALL Renae Pollock Kathryn Richards ROWING Natasha Halloran Jemma Hines SOCCER Taylor Boon Natalie Malins SOFTBALL Grace Stokker Roberta Tapping SWIMMING Eloise Gracey Rachel Mills TENNIS Leah Johnson Edwina Newman TOUCH FOOTBALL Anthea Belessis Sarah Hills VOLLEYBALL Ciara Jones Hannah Mullis

SPORTS CAPTAINS: Georgia Rowe Rhoda Thornton DEBATING CAPTAINS: Carolyn Cormack Isabella Farrah

MUSIC CAPTAINS: Sienna McInnes-Smith Amelia Remmerswaal HOUSE CO-CAPTAINS: Austen Julika Goetz (Year 7) Jessica Hawula Lucy Macdonald Barrett Anthea Belessis

Tessa Heath (Year 7) Renae Pollock Bronte Sarah Hills (Year 7) Phoebe McCluskey Kathryn Richards Cavell Jessica Elliott

Miranda Everett (Year 7) Nyamal Gar Hartland Tahlia Brocks

Jennifer Greig (Year 7) Bridget Tozer Nightingale Tahlia Glyde Jenny Lu

Yini (Lily) Zeng (Year 7)

strategic plan - academic

Strategic Plan the process An effective Strategic Plan is never developed in isolation and so it was the case with the development of St Aidan’s Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan used the highly successful previous Strategic Plan as reference.

The process of review began in late 2013 by determining a strategy for engaging stakeholders.

The process reflected the culmination of a multi-faceted planning approach. Under the direction of School Council, a process and timeline was developed to provide an inclusive approach to gather feedback to develop the Strategic Plan.

STRATEGIC PLAN

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strategic plan - academic

Our community was invited to contribute through focus groups. They included staff, School Council, parents, students and Old Girls. Meetings, covering a range of various broad themes, were held with staff and the Senior Leadership Team. The development of the Strategic Plan was a standing agenda item for School Council meetings. Drafts were developed and distributed and active feedback was sought from stakeholders.

The Plan included the development of the five focus areas which include:

Our Mission St Aidan’s strives to provide excellence in education in a caring, friendly environment, where each individual is nurtured and shaped by the values of the Christian faith and has the opportunity to achieve her full potential and to develop a passion for life and learning.

Our Vision St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School nurtures each student’s personal aspirations within a vibrant learner-centred community.

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Educational Excellence

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Living Faith

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Connecting Community

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Inspiring Professionals

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Enriching Environment

For each of the focus areas and goals, there is a comprehensive internal document with further detail around goals, strategies, timelines, defined resource allocation, priorities and a staff member with allocated responsibilities.

A risk of strategic plans, due to the need for clarity of action and lines of accountability, is each focus area and goal is seen as a standalone project. Yet the reality is that all elements interact dynamically, each shaping the whole.

It is also important to acknowledge schools operate in a rapidly changing environment and thus it is essential the Strategic Plan is viewed as a living document and remains flexible to changing circumstances over the life of the plan.

Feedback in the planning process allowed School Council to prioritise the importance of each of these goals with data from focus groups and online surveys confirming these priorities.

Staff viewed the Plan in late September with ratification provided by the School Council in November 2014.

As with all strategic plans the actual process of developing the document proved to be exceptionally valuable and will ensure the ‘St Aidan’s Strategic Plan – Aspiring Students, Inspiring Teachers’ will continue to follow the vision of the School to ‘nurture each student’s personal aspirations within a vibrant learner-centred community.’

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strategic plan - academic

a goal without a plan is just a wish Educational Excellence

Our Competitive Difference St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School is a

Educational Excellence St Aidan’s provides an excellent education based on balance, rigour and challenge, through: • An outstanding educational program meeting the needs of each student • Developing signature programs of the School, including Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Music and Art • Using and implementing evidence-based, cutting-edge educational programs to attain best possible academic outcomes for all students • Developing a growth mindset in academics, engagement and wellbeing

unique school. The pursuit of personal best in education drives our strong academic success and our culture of excellence focusing on the pastoral care of each student within our community.

We are intentionally small, allowing students the opportunity to represent their school in sport, cultural and service activities and for each student to be known for her individual talents and abilities. We promote leadership opportunities for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

• Creating extensive opportunities for domestic and international exchanges

Our Values Our focus is to develop and promote authentic, caring, confident, creative and connected women who value reason, imagination, truth, compassion and responsibility.

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strategic plan - academic

Living

Faith

Living Faith St Aidan’s creates an environment where students and staff reflect the School’s values and mission, expressing the Christian faith and the Anglican ethos, through:

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Ensuring a rich and meaningful Eucharistic Life in the School honouring the living tradition of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent, founders of St Aidan’s, and in particular their call ‘to put the love of God above all else and love one’s neighbour’ as our constant theme

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Continuing to develop a strong ‘family’ community where parents and family members feel they belong

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Ensuring an holistic approach to the development of each person in discovering and developing their God-given gifts and identity

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Maintaining good citizenship and school spirit throughout the School, seen in mutual respect for all

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Ensuring a heart for Anglican social justice and welfare, including care for the environment, support for refugees and migrants and support for the work of Anglican mission organisations

strategic plan - academic

Connecting COMMUNITY

Connecting Community St Aidan’s aims to promote a sense of community and belonging and of valuing the legacy and future contributions of the Alumni and the endeavours of the Parent and Friends’ Association, the Foundation and School Council, through: •

Developing recognition in the community as a leading girls’ school with outstanding academic results and pastoral care which focuses on the individual

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Creating an engaged online community

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Providing an extensive suite of Alumni networking and mentoring opportunities

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Profiling Alumni and providing meaningful ways to engage with them

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Creating an engaged parent community through meaningful family involvement in the broad life of the School

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Enabling the Foundation and the P & F Association to support and enhance the strategic objectives of the School

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strategic plan - academic

Inspiring

Professionals

Inspiring Professionals St Aidan’s strives to employ and develop inspiring and engaged staff through ensuring best practices in our recruitment, selection, employment and retention of staff, through: •

Supporting and developing staff to be the best in their field

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Providing a staff annual review process to reflect Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership standards

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Developing a reflective practice and feedback culture whereby teachers assist each other to improve teaching practice

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Building a staff culture reflective of the school’s Mission, Vision and Values

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Supporting and growing the Shared Services Model between St Aidan’s and our sister school St Margaret’s

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Encouraging and promoting leadership opportunities for our staff

strategic plan - academic

Enriching Environment

Enriching Environment St Aidan’s is committed to providing an extensive range of extra-curricular programs, designed to encourage students to develop a sense of achievement and pride in their efforts, through: •

Continuing an innovative physical literacy program in the Junior School and elite Athletic, Tennis and Cross Country programs across Kindergarten to Year 12

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Providing the Social and Emotional Learning Program (Kindergarten to Year 12) specifically addressing the development of resilience

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Providing a warm and welcoming environment reflecting the school culture

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Building connections with local and global communities by encouraging voluntary and service activities

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Providing outstanding teaching and learning facilities for students and staff

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digital analysis - academic

N ew tool un l o c k s weal t h of dat a A new tool is being launched in 2015 which aims to provide valuable knowledge to inform decision making, spur curriculum innovation and pedagogical change, prompt proactive academic intervention and optimise learning outcomes for students.

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digital analysis - academic

New tool un l oc ks weal t h o f dat a Schools, such as St Aidan’s, accumulate a wealth of data about the students in our care and the subjects they study. This data, includes academic performance, national and external test results, classroom observations, and attendance.

There is an emerging field of study focusing on using technology to unlock this data and provide valuable real-time information to teachers, students and parents.

Learning Analytics (LA) is a data analysis program which will enable students, parents and staff to track student academic progress.

This useful tool displays data from the school information system (TASS) and from the Learning Analytics External Assessment database to enable the development of an overall snapshot of the student’s academic progress.

Information available through LA includes: •

General information (year level, student code, etc.)

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Academic performance by displaying and comparing the most recent GPA and previous GPA enabling tracking of GPA over time

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End of semester results in all subjects

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Position in relation to other students in each subject cohort and within in the year level.

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QCS test practice results and state averages will also be provided

Parents will also be able to access current and past subject enrolment for their daughter and absentee records. While much of this information is provided in school reports, this tool enables the

information to be easily accessed online at any time.

Staff will have access to additional data to help track students’ progress over time, such as external tests including ACER, NAPLAN and ICAS. By having this information, staff can also track a student’s progress in these tests in relation to their school results. Teachers will be able to use this information to make adjustments to curriculum and/or their teaching if required.

The Studies department has been working with Track One Studio to create a platform unique to the needs of St Aidan’s which will be launched early in 2015.

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science - peter doherty award

Peter Doherty Award W i n n er s 2014

for excellence in S ci ence and Sci Educati onDoherty Award Victoria Poon and Chelsea Ho received theence prestigious Peter from the Queensland Government for their participation in extracurricular science activities and their excellent academic results each receiving $3,000.

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s c i e n c e - p e t e rs cd ioehnecr et y - aSwTaErM d

STEM@ St Aidan’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has remained a key area of focus for St Aidan’s this year.

This has been highlighted with the improvements and additions to The Archer and Templeton Science and Technology Centre scheduled for completion in 2015.

Activity in this area has covered a wide gambit of events and opportunities for students including: The Aspiring Women in Science Conference - the conference had continued success with participant numbers almost doubling. The conference was attended by more than 200 students from 43 schools around Queensland and NSW. The Science Faculty – the School was recognised by Independent Schools Queensland with a $10,000 grant to support the development of the School’s STEM Research Centre (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Australian Science Olympiads – Four students from Years 10 and 12 competed in the Olympiads in Biology, Chemistry and Physics achieving High Distinctions and Distinctions.

Space Settlement Design Competition - 15 students formed the St Aidan’s team competition. The School was accepted into the National Finals securing second place. Brittany Vidler was selected to participate in the International Space Settlement Design Competition, held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Orlando. She worked with students from around the world for over 40 hours to design a settlement in the lunar highlands on the far side of the moon. Her team, Grumbo, was runner-up.

Sydney University’s Gifted and Talented Discovery Program - Isini Muthumuni, Isobel Taylor and Isabelle Howroyd were accepted into the Sydney University’s Gifted and Talented Discovery Program which allowed them to engage in university science and strengthen their interest in the field. These students achieved in the top 12% of applicants nationwide.

ICAS Science Competition - All of our Years 8-10 students, as well as many Year 11-12 students competed in the competition with stronger interest than ever before.

Australian National Chemistry Quiz - 20 students from Year 11-12 sat the Australian National Chemistry Quiz. This was a fantastic opportunity for our senior chemistry students to apply their knowledge in class.

Science Demo Troupe - This year we started a Science Demo Troupe. The group of 14 students from Years 8-12 volunteered to run science activities within the school, particularly during National Science Week. There are discussions underway to make the group a more permanent activity which can run all year, discussing scientific phenomenons running forrecent excellence in S ciand ence and

lunch time activities periodically. The group ran activities which included making honeycomb, lava lamps, demonstrating the Doppler effect through throwing ‘screaming monkeys’ and creating baking soda bombs. They also demonstrated the power of vibrations using balloons and made a huge tub of Oobleck in the Junior School to explain the basics of nonNewtonian fluids and also allow students to jump in!

National Science Week – St Aidan’s hosted ‘RoboGals’ from UQ to run a robotics workshop.

ICAS Maths Competition - - Isini Muthumuni topped the State in the ICAS Mathematics Award.

In 2015: National Youth Science Forum - Julia Goetz was accepted into the 2015 program and the interest continues to grow with five students preparing to apply for the 2016 program.

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience – Victoria Poon was selected to be one of the youngest members at The ConocoPhillips Science Experience at Griffith University Gold Coast.

Science Captains / UQ Science Ambassadors - St Aidan’s is continuing the role of Science Captain with Julika Goetz and Jessica Hawula in taking up the positions are both keen to continue the roles as UQ Science Ambassadors in the School

Cancer Council provides unique opportunities With assistance from Queensland Cancer Council CEO and St Aidan’s past parent, Prof Jeff Dunn, our Dux and Vice School Captain, Chelsea Ho has been provided with the unique opportunity to further her experience in a range of areas.

“A significant proportion of Cancer Council’s research is patient/family-based, so Professor Aitken and I thought that it would be good for me to be exposed to that side of cancer research, instead of the actual laboratory research which I have already experienced through TRI, AIBN and QIMR. “I will be involved with three activities: participating in a brain tumour forum and listening to speakers and patients’ experiences, attending the World Cancer Congress hosted by the Cancer Council in Melbourne, and helping to give feedback on a survey, CancerCope, to see how Cancer Council can improve the design of the questions, etc. “ said Chelsea in a recent interview.

Peter Doh er t y A w a r d W i n n er s 2014

Educati onDoherty Award Chelsea Ho and Victoria Poon receivedSci theence prestigious Peter huddle I december from the Queensland Government for their participation in extracurricular science activities and their excellent academic results each receiving $3,000.

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s c i e n c e - iaacwaadredmwi ci n n e r

iAWARD

Winner

Brynlea Gibson won the National iAward Secondary Student category for her ongoing multimodal ICT based project titled ICTinMe - an inspiring combination of Physical Computing, Human Interface and Hardware Design and Construction and Game and Software Development in a context of sharing and self-regulated constructivist learning. She was also selected to represent Australia as the iAward nominee for the School section in the Education Domain at APICTA in Jakarta.

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science - robotics

St Aidan’s does battle in a new arena Nine teams from seven schools descended upon St Aidan’s to battle it out for robot supremacy with the School playing host to the FIRST® Tech Challenge Brisbane Regional Tournament.

The Christine Hartland Centre became a robot battleground for the competition where teams of students competed in alliances to tackle this years’ challenge called ‘Cascade EffectSM’ The challenge arena comprised of a 16 square meter field with various physical scoring elements.

The teams were responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots. They were also required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles.

St Aidan’s team, known as Aidan’s Automatons, were knocked out in the final eliminations after being selected during the ‘alliance selection’ process by the team from Upper Coomera State College.

According to Nathan Beveridge, the spirit of the FIRST core values were strong between teams during the day with students and teachers from all schools jumping in to offer advice and loan parts and tools to others.

“A great example of this was apparent when

Brynlea soldered some battery snaps and connectors together while repairing the St Aidan’s robot so that two other teams had the parts they needed to compete,” he said.

The competition also played host to the Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Hon Ian Walker who was impressed with the competition and student work.

FIRST Tech Challenge provides students with the opportunity to apply real-world maths and science concepts and aims to inspire a passion for STEM. The Challenge is the next step up from the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®) in which St Aidan’s students have competed in previous years.

FIRST LEGO League is a competition where teams design, build and program a LEGO robot to complete a series of challenges. The robot has to operate on pre-programmed instructions, and complete as many tasks as possible in two and a half

minutes. The challenge changes every year, always based on a central theme.

This year’s Challenge team, comprised of Year 8 students, were eager to extend their skills from the League and work on larger, more complex robotic systems.

FIRST Tech Challenge Robots are made from a range of materials, and can be operated by a team of drivers wirelessly using Joystick controllers similar to an XBox or Playstation.

While FIRST was founded in the USA in 1989, FIRST Australia was established at Macquarie University in 2006. Since then, Australian teams have enjoyed remarkable success attending the FIRST World Championship Tournament each year from 2006 to 2014. Worldwide there are 32,600 teams of more than 350,000 students from nearly 80 countries.

FIRST®, FIRST® Tech Challenge, FTC® and Gracious Professionalism®, are registered trademarks of FIRST (www. usfirst.org). FLL® is a jointly held trademark of FIRST and The LEGO® Group

The St Aidan’s Robotics’ team with the Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, The Hon Ian Walker

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discover bright sparks - junior school

discover

bright sparks

St Aidan’s Junior School The ‘Bright Sparks’ Science and Technology Showcase was held in August involving students from Kindergarten to Year 6. This day enabled students to demonstrate what they had learned in class about the wonders of Science, Information Communication Technology, Engineering and Technology.

This year, the Bright Sparks featured Ms Genevieve De Michele, Civil and Construction Engineering and Founding Director of Not for Profit organisation The Youth Movement, as guest speaker.

A wide variety of interactive and informative displays were presented with students taking an active lead and engaging with the visitors of parents, family and friends. Amongst the many activities, guests witnessed Chemistry displays from Prep/Year 1, a hands-on ocean life exhibit provided by Year 2, gravity experiments conducted by Year 4, forensic investigations undertaken by Year 5 and electronic studies from Year 6. The event was well attended including invited guests from QUT’s Engineering and Education Faculty.

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House Supper 1954 huddle I december 2014 17

chaplain commissioning - leadership

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T he Com m i ssi oni ng of T he Reve re n d Gillian It was a joy in the life of our School when we commissioned The Reverend Gillian Moses as our Chaplain in July. We welcomed Mother Eunice and the Sisters, Bishop Alison, members of our School Council and the Sisters’ Trust, local clergy and many other special guests to this important event.

The Reverend Gillian trained in Law and Japanese at the University of Queensland. She was ordained in 2008 in the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane. Gillian’s research interests lie in understanding the structures and uses of power in the church through the lens of feminist and postcolonial theology. Her other interests include poetry and art, particularly as they are used liturgically.

More recently her focus has been on asylum seekers and refugees preparing an inspirational study guide ‘Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Scriptural, Theological and Ethical Approaches’ designed to assist parish and other groups to explore asylum-seeker and refugee related issues in depth and through focused engagement with relevant scriptures.

chaplain commissioning - leadership

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Madeleine Perrin (Year 12) with her work from Creative Generation Awards and also in costume for her final Year 12 work.

Here she adopted the persona of Snow White which culminated in a series of stunning digital art works.

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Chynna Evans (Year 12) with some of her projection experimentation that led to the final enclosed work.

Abby Smith with her Excellence Award winning art work at the Metropolitan Art Exhibition held at the Ipswich Gallery. Abby’s work Mourning Rituals will be part of the state-wide Creative Generation Exhibition at GOMA in 2015. Madeleine Perrin was also present at the gallery to receive her Commendation Award as one of the 78 shortlisted works in the state.

Award Winning Art Mourning Rituals

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junior school - book week

Book Week

took the theme this year of ‘Connect to Reading’. St Aidan celebrated Book Week with our annual Literature Festival welcoming a number of well-known and highly respected Australian authors Isobelle Carmody, Nick Earls and Michael Gerard Bauer.

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Art & Music

St Aidan’s Junior School Junior School students showed their creativity reflected in the quality of art work on display at this year’s Art Show.

The evening also showcased quality student performances.

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sport - athletics

HISTORIC

WIN This year’s Athletics season has been called, by many, the greatest performance from the sport in the history of the School.

St Aidan’s placing in the Aggregate and win in the Percentage Cup was a reflection of the hard work invested into the program over the last three years With sweeping changes in culture, coaching and participation, St Aidan’s has firmly established itself as a developing force in Athletics and this year’s competition represented the School’s arrival on the scene. With 41 ‘top three’ positions including eight firsts, 18 second and 15 third place performances, it demonstrated a balanced team effort across all disciplines. From the record-breaking performances of Madeleine Attlee, Katie Colebourne and the 15-years girls winning their age group, to the meteoric rise of the relay teams - the day was full of outstanding performances.

“The most enjoyable part of this year was seeing every athlete from our youngest Year 8 to our eldest Senior, celebrating this moment together and displaying a new-found belief and confidence in their ability to compete with the best,” Mr Russ said.

“You only get to do something for the first time once and now that we have arrived as an Athletics program we have to prove that we can do it again.

“We are no longer the easy to beat little school.

“We have set a standard in St Aidan’s Athletics and developed a program that we know can bring us continued success for many years to come,” he said.

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The first time St Aidan’s has won the Del Mellefont Percentage Cup since its inception in 1978

Fast Facts •

The first time St Aidan’s has won the Del Mellefont Percentage Cup since its inception in 1978

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From 2011 to 2014 we have improved from ninth to third in the Aggregate competition

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From 2011 to 2014 we have improved from sixth to first in the Percentage Cup

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St Aidan’s was the top ranked school in the 1500m in 2014

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Two QGSSSA records were broken by St Aidan’s athletes in 2014

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Maddy Attlee 15yrs 400m 55.91 (fastest ever QG 400m of any age) and Katie Colebourne 15yrs 100m B 12.48 (breaking a record from 1979)

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sport - athletics

NATIONAL Champions Eight of St Aidan’s best athletes have taken out the Senior Girls Division championship title at the Australian Schools Knockout Championships in Adelaide in early December.

The competition placed the top ten schools from around Australia against each other competing in teams of 7-9 athletes across nine different events.

Up against the like of St Margaret’s, Fairholme College, Moreton Bay College of Queensland; Pymble Ladies College and Cherrybrook of New South Wales; Haileybury and Melbourne Girls Grammar of Victoria; Immanuel College of South Australian; and Penrhos College of Western Australia it was a tough field of competition.

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Winners - Senior Girls Division championship title at the Australian Schools Knockout Championships in Adelaide

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St Aidan’s were placed third half way through the exciting competition however fought back to come out on top following some brilliant performances in the 100m, 400m and relay events seeing the School crowned the Australian Schools Knockout National Champions.

sport - sports awards

We congratulate our

Team of the Year Senior A Tennis Team Shelly Chae, Lara Perkovic, Julie Shin, Jemima Fraser, Leah Johnson Coaches: Heath Denman, Marc Svenson, Sam Ward

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS •

Joint Senior A Premiers in the QGSSSA Tennis competition

• Won every round of the competition contested •

Won a total of 277 games over the season, conceding just 93

Spor ts Awards 2 01 4 We congratulate our

Sportswoman of the Year Elizabeth Jacques

2014 REPRESENTATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

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QGSSSA Cross Country team (2nd place 17 yrs. and over)

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QGSSSA Athletics team

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Met West 17 yrs. Athletics team - 1500M and 3000M champion; new 3000M record Queensland Schools Athletics team - third at National Championship in 1500M and 3000M

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Open Softball team

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Open Touch team (MVP)

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All-Schools Cross Country (Queensland Athletics) – winner in 17 years

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Open Badminton team

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Inter-house Cross Country Age Champion - fastest time in school

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Oceania Championships member of the Australian U20 Athletics team - 10000M champion; setting a new record; and fourth in 1500M

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Inter-House Athletics Age Championship - Second

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Queensland Athletics Q-Squad for 3000M

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‘Sporting All-Rounder’ award

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Queensland Athletics U18 Target Talent program

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Met West Cross Country team - 17 years champion

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Queensland Athletics Cross Country Relay Championships (U18 team 3 X 4000M champion)

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Queensland Schoolgirls Cross Country team - Captain, 4000M National Titles 12th in U18 and member of winning 4 X 2000M relay

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Australian Schoolgirls Cross Country team - Sixth 3500M World Schools Championships and member of winning team

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sport - rowing

25

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of competition

HUDDLE ON THE RIVER

Aeronautical science may go over the heads of many, but for over 80 of st aidan’s year 11 and 12 students, the opportunity to fly an aviation simulator has ensured their love of flight is really taking off.

The experience was thanks to a new collaboration between Defence Force Recruitment, SimJET and Encore Events, with St Aidan’s one of only 20 schools in Queensland invited to trial the simulator experience.

The flight simulator took up to four participants every 20 minutes, with students experiencing the role of both pilot and air traffic controller.

The program aims to provide an opportunity to young women who may not otherwise ever have the chance to fly a simulator, and is part of a Defence ForceROWING strategy toCELEBRATED increase the number of female recruits into 25 YEARS the Air Force.

OF COMPETITION AT ST AIDAN’S.

HEAD OF THE RIVER

“The students St loved the experience, many commenting Aidan’s competedwith at the Queensland that it was a chance of a lifetime,” said Careers Counsellor, Jennie School State Rowing Championships Robinson.

securing two bronze and a silver.

“Overall the experience was very positive, and really inspired some of our students to consider a career as a pilot for the first time.”

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sport - rowing

Fast Facts

The students loved the experience, with many commenting that it was a chance of a lifetime,

“

�

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community - McIntyre Centre for Disabled Riders

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community - McIntyre Centre for Disabled Riders

Equestrian Community Team

lends a hand.

McIntyre Centre for Disabled Riders is an organisation close to the heart of many St Aidan’s equestrian team members. The Centre, located near St Aidan’s own competition venue, provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy horse-related activities.

Two significant events occurred this year which brought the Centre and St Aidan’s together with a much closer relationship.

Following years of planning St Aidan’s was able to host Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) riders at our Dressage day earlier in the year.

It was a significant ‘first’ for the Equestrian Support Group, which was able to create and gain approval for a specific class for McIntyre Centre riders to compete in within the general competition classification.

This ‘class’ was officially judged and recognised with placings and ribbons. In doing so, St Aidan’s has established a process and the precedent for other schools to include disabled riders, and add a formally recognised RDA class, to their events.

The benefits of their inclusion enabled RDA riders to compete side by side with other riders using the same warm up areas, the same gear checks, the same arenas.

In the second half of the year a number of our Equestrian girls assisted as volunteers in the McIntyre Centre’s own “Unofficial Dressage Day”, a fundraising event for the Centre raising more than $10,000.

This is the most amount of funds the event has ever raised with all of it benefitting the more than 200 riders with a disability who visit the Centre every week.

Head of Sport, Nigel Bailey, said he was extremely proud of the efforts of the St Aidan’s Equestrian Community team to support and encourage those far less fortunate than themselves, “For me, this has been one of the high points of the sporting year,” Mr Bailey said.

“It is great to see St Aidan’s Equestrian, with the assistance of the Equestrian Support Group, recognised and engaged in the local community in such a positive manner,” he said.

“This is certainly a relationship that I hope would continue to grow over the years.”

Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA) is a voluntary, nonprofit organisation which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy stimulating, therapeutic, horse-related activities in Australia. huddle I december 2014 31

global - nepal

nepal A group from our Interact Club embarked on a tour of Nepal, to initiate an ongoing relationship with the Children Welfare Centre (CWC). This orphanage is a not-for-profit organisation and is supported by the Australian charity, Children’s Aid International and also our local Rotary club. The group had the humbling experience of spending time with the children and presenting the CWC with $12,200. This money was raised by the group’s collective and individual fundraising, and will be crucial in helping the CWC conduct its wonderful work for another year.

32

huddle I december 2014 2014

global - nepal

huddlehuddle I december I june 2014 45 33

community - giving back

Giving BACK Day

34 huddle I december 2014

This year’s departure of our Senior students, moving on to the next part of the educational journeys was joyful as always. It was with particularly delight to note the activities of our Year 12s in their final days at St Aidan’s, undertaking a number of activities to ‘give back’ to their School and the community.

These included: •

Cooking for OzHarvest – the girls cooked for the Uniting Church Kangaroo Point who organise a community meal for one hundred people every Thursday night.

•

Stationery Packs for children of Aussie Farmers in the Charleville area – our girls worked with Aussie Helpers who will deliver these packs to the children.

•

Buying Christmas presents for children in foster care - working with Anglicare to deliver these presents.

•

Worked in different areas of the School – Music, Senior Library, Junior Library, Marketing and Administration.

S CH O O L S EN I O R 38 huddle I december 2014

‘Raise Your Hand Campaign’ led by Malala Yousafzai calling on the UN to make girls’ education a priority. huddle I december 2014 34 35

celebrating 85 years - buildings ????

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards - Caroline Amy Alumni Award Ms Kathryn McMillan QC 1980 Barrister Barrister Kathryn McMillan’s high school education at St Aidan’s saw the development of lifelong passions beyond her chosen career.

Kathryn says her then German teacher, Frau Prior, instilled a love of German literature and music, while the interest in law came later. Headmistress Sister Julian also left a lasting impression.

“Sister Julian was extraordinary. She knew my name within two weeks of Year 8 starting and was a model of compassion, kindness and selflessness.”

The daughter of a solicitor, Kathryn says her father was always keen for his daughter to study law, but it was Science that initially attracted her as a career prospect.

“My father prevailed but I did manage to study Arts as well, including German. I did hope to work in publishing, however, given market forces (the need to obtain a job), 36

huddle I december 2014

law became a career. I started practice at the Bar some 26 years ago and thought I would see how things panned out.”

Things certainly have panned out, with Kathryn graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts in 1984 and a Bachelor of Laws with honours in 1986, going on to complete her Master of Laws, specialising in BioEthics, at the Queensland University of Technology and graduating in 2003. “There were few girls who studied law around my year,” she says.

“I don’t know of any Old Girls practicing at the bar even now, although hopefully that will change.”

Kathryn currently practises in the areas of administrative law, family law, civil/ human rights and discrimination, and child protection law. She accepts pro bono briefs regularly and is a member of several boards in the areas of ethics and human

rights. Kathryn also maintains a practice in Coronial Inquests, appearing as Counsel Assisting to the Coroner and for several hospitals. She has appeared as Counsel in two Commissions of Inquiry, the Public Hospitals Inquiry in 2005 and as Senior Counsel Assisting the Child Protection Commission of Enquiry. Kathryn also believes strongly in interests outside her career to provide balance.

Kathryn a mother of two, has a daughter who has attended St Aidan’s since Prep and is currently in Year 10. While she has shared many stories of her days at St Aidan’s with her daughter, there are a few things Kathryn hasn’t shared…

“The usual silly things, like conducting chemical experiments in the school pond, and putting shaving foam on the ceiling fans of the assembly hall. These things I have never told my daughter!”

huddle I

june

2014

11

Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards - Distinguished Young Alumnus (under 30) Ms Emma Betts 2008 Cancer Awareness Campaigner Emma Betts’ life has been defined by a desire to help others. At 22, she has worked internationally in rehabilitation, and now, following a melanoma diagnosis in 2012, works to raise awareness of the importance of skin checks for young people.

As a student at St Aidan’s, Emma says she gained a solid grounding in concern for the welfare of others.

“St Aidan’s has a strong emphasis on community service,” she says.

“If I hadn’t been introduced to the concept of community service and volunteering, I probably wouldn’t have ended up with such a passion for working with people from developing countries, specifically with people with disabilities.

“Ms Burvill-Shaw really stands out among the amazing teachers at school.

She shaped what I went on to study at university, as well as influenced the way in which I went about my time volunteering overseas.”

and gain a clinical skill such as occupational therapy. I came back to Australia in 2013 because of my health and planned to study the following year but unfortunately my health would not allow this.”

Following her schooling, Emma studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Peace and Conflicts Studies and International Relations, volunteering for Australia’s largest youth-run aid and development organisation, Oaktree. Her work as Oaktree Qld State Director led to a move to East Timor where Emma worked with a rehabilitation centre for people with physical disabilities.

Emma recently married husband Serge but says an uncertain future means her advice for current students is always to seize the day.

“This role was perfect as I could put my skills that I had gained at Oaktree to work, but it also allowed me to see whether I wanted to continue working in this area or go back to university

“Since my cancer diagnosis, life has been pretty uncertain – I have no idea how long I will be here and live every day knowing the cancer will win. However, I am extremely lucky that I have experienced so much of the world and haven’t wasted time to do what I love. So, my advice to students would be not to wait, go out and do what you love now.”

huddle I december 2014 37

community - born to fly III

Some of the Old Girls profiled in the latest edition of “Born to Fly� at its launch in October.

A selection of those profiled in Born to Fly III

Cecile Wake 1987

Jano Dawes 1986

Corporate Lawyer, Executive and Modern Pentathlete

Business Owner

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huddle I december 2014

Lucy Strickland 1990 Humanitarian Aid Worker

community - born to fly III

Keep your eyes and ears open, pick your brains so you can nominate a friend or colleague for the 2015 Alumni Awards.

Nominations open early in the new year and will close 30 June 2015

To read Born to Fly I, Born to Fly II or Born to Fly III visit our website : www.staidans.qld.edu.au

Rosemary Cameron 1974 Company Principal

Sherri Hsu 2003 Chemical Engineer and Product Developer

born to fly huddle I december 2014 39

community - pet blessing

Pet Blessing

40 huddle I december 2014

community - the stones

Sometimes you can

get what you want

A select group of staff and Old Girls, who also form part of the St Aidan’s Community Choir, had the gig of a lifetime when they joined the Rolling Stones on stage in Brisbane as part of their Australian tour.

The group which included past and present staff (Dr James Cuskelly, Tim Kemp, Carla Trott, Adam Kehl, Jennifer Teh and Kate Downey) along with Old Girls (Amanda Holley and Caitlin Stark) sang the iconic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’. The group had the opportunity through a connection in the UK from Dr James Cuskelly, Head of Faculty – Creative Arts and Design.

While they had to sit on the secret for many months as the original tour dates were postponed, it was certainly worth the wait as the group were met with a roar from the crowd when they finally hit the stage.

In what may have been The Rolling Stones’ last Australian tour, the group of singers who could have been over-awed by the experience, instead took it in their stride saying it was a joy to work with such professionals.

“My classes have been asking for my autograph,” said music teacher Carla Trott, “however I told them I sign their diaries every week so they already have my autograph!” huddle I june 2014 41

sport - hockey

Grandparents’ Day

42 huddle I december 2014

grandparents’ day

sport - equestrian

Tell me and I will never forget; show me and I will remember; involve me and I will understand

huddle I december 2014 43

seniors - 2014

Farewell to our Seniors of 2014

44 huddle I december 2014

seniors 2014 - farewell

huddle I december 2014 45

staff - leadership

C h a ngi ng of the gu ar d St Aidan’s is farewelling our Deputy Principal, Kim Kiepe as she take up the role of Principal at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, Perth in 2015.

Principal Karen Spiller acknowledges the dedication and enthusiasm Mrs Kim Kiepe has brought to St Aidan’s in her role as Deputy Principal over the last four years.

“Mrs Kiepe is well respected and regarded by our staff, students and parents and deservedly so,” Mrs Spiller said.

“The genuiness and warmth of her personality and manner; her gracious dignity and professional focus and leadership has been a blessing to our School.”

Mrs Kiepe is the sixth leader from St Aidan’s to assume a Principalship.

St Aidan’s will welcome Mrs Toni Riordan into the role of Deputy Principal in 2015 Mrs Riordan is currently Dean of Studies at St Laurence’s College, where for the last five years she has been a member of the

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huddle I december 2014

College Leadership Team. She has previously held positions in other all boys’ and girls’ independent schools as well as in the state education system. Mrs Riordan has also taught in the United Kingdom.

She holds a Masters in Educational Leadership. Her scholarly writing has been published in a variety of educational journals and she has presented at educational conferences both in Australia and internationally. Most recently, she presented at the Coalition of Boys’ School conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, where she spoke on, “What do you want to be and how can we help you to get there?”

Mrs Riordan has been acknowledged with an Excellence In Teaching Award, has been a state committee member for Opti-minds, worked in Gifted and Talented Learning and Teaching and has also been a state panel member and external studies marker for the then Queensland Studies Authority.

We welcome her to our school family.

staff - leadership

Fa rewell M r s E liz ab eth L an ge 2014 saw St Aidan’s farewell Mrs Elizabeth Lange, retiring after more than 25 years at the School Old Girl of St Aidan’s, along with her Mother and Aunty, Mrs Lange has had a long history with St Aidan’s. She commenced teaching at St Aidan’s in 1 June 1989 after teaching at numerous schools in Brisbane, Cairns, Cooktown and Yorkshire.

Mrs Lange leaves St Aidan’s as a highly respected teacher and leader and is held in high regard by students, parents and staff alike. She has skilfully taught and nurtured too many students to begin to count and supported them in their extra-curricular endeavours and leadership roles.

She has attended countless camps, spending time away from her family to share these special times in the girls’ school lives.

Although it is difficult to imagine St Aidan’s without Mrs Lange, she can certainly be proud of the wonderful career she has had in education and the wonderful legacy she has left in our Junior School and to St Aidan’s.

huddle I december 2014 47

staff - leadership

Courier Mail QWeekend Magazine 29 November 2014

Staff •

Five St Aidan’s staff have Doctorates and 25 have completed their Masters, with a further two currently studying for their Masters.

•

Reverend Gillian Moses joined us as Chaplain, the first time the School has commissioned a School Chaplain in a number of years.

•

Principal, Karen Spiller was named Bond University’s inaugural Principal in Residence. The esteemed role saw Mrs Spiller advise on a number of issues for the university, particularly in relation to the management of caring for students as they transition into tertiary studies.

Mrs Spiller was also appointed to the AHISA Board as Chair to commence in 2015 and was named in Queensland’s Top 50 Best and Brightest by The Courier-Mail.

•

Dr James Cuskelly was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia for services to Music Education. He was also invited to be a keynote speaker at the Association of New Zealand Music Educators’ conference.

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huddle I december 2014

•

Ms Kerstin Liebchen-Meades was awarded an inaugural Modern Language Teachers’ Association of Queensland Award for Exemplary Practice in Languages - Secondary and also presented at the ITC Publishing National Conference.

•

Mrs Deb Koh was awarded an ISQ Sponsorship to attend the QELi Future Leaders Program.

•

Mrs Megan Daley was appointed to the Board of the Australian Children’s Literature Alliance and selected to be a Queensland Literary Awards (QLA) Judge.

staff - leadership

Head of Mathematics, Patricia Hosking was recognised at this year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards as a finalist in the category of Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning.

She was recognised for leading teachers in providing excellent Mathematics education for girls and said she was very humbled to receive the recognition.

“We have so many fantastic leaders at St Aidan’s and I do what I do because I am passionate about every Mathematics lesson being a valuable learning experience for every girl at the school,” Ms Hosking said.

Ms Hosking outlined she was most appreciative of the collaborative way in which the Mathematic Faculty department operates, to the benefit of St Aidan’s students.

“People share ideas, resources, knowledge and skills and are always supportive of each other trying new things.”

“I am able to observe each teacher regularly and share the effective strategies that they use in order to build the capacity across the entire department.”

“I love that girls at St Aidan’s are successful at Maths!” she said.

Ms Hosking hopes to continue to break down the invisible barriers to classrooms so teachers feel more comfortable having other teachers in their classrooms and can learn more from each other.

Award adds up for Ms Hosking

Staff •

Mr Nathan Beveridge was invited to join the Group X Educators Advisory Committee for Queensland.

•

Ms Karen Gorrie was appointed to the Language Learning Area Reference Committee as the representative of Independent Schools Queensland.

•

Mrs Sylvia Hicks presented the paper “Engaging girls in STEM” at the STEM Think Tank and Conference held at Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, Tennessee.

•

Mr Steve Baker who together with Associate Professor Peter Hudson (Associate Professor Faculty of Education, School Curriculum at QUT) delivered a paper entitled ‘Linking pedagogical knowledge practices and student outcomes in STEM education for primary schools’ as part of the Vancouver STEM Conference; “STEM Education and Our Planet: Making Connections Across Contexts” in Toronto, Canada.

•

Ms Tracey Jeanes-Fraser was appointed one of the Head Coaches for the U17 Australian Netball Squad as well as being, appointed as a Selector for the U21s Queensland Women’s Netball Team. She also coached the Australian Diamonds Home Program.

•

St Aidan’s was listed as one of three finalists in the Alumni Award category at the EducatePlus National Conference.

huddle I december 2014 49

foundation

The Legacy of Community Giving Continues …

The St Aidan’s community has once again demonstrated its commitment to seeing our School go from strength to strength, as evidenced by the generous support shown towards the Campaign for the Sciences.

The below excerpt from a 1960 letter demonstrates that historically we have always called on the support of our community to make significant progress to provide the best opportunities for our girls. It is heart-warming to see that time and time again our community has stepped up, embraced the values of the Sisters and willingly contributed to this progress.

Mrs Potts and the new Science Laboratory in 1963 – the result of the school and P&F initiated fundraising efforts.

The generosity that contributed to the opening of the new Science Laboratory in the early 1960s, and the opportunities it provided, made an impression on the students of the day. In 2013, one of those students became the seed donor for our current Campaign for the Sciences, and continued the school community’s legacy of ‘Paying it forward’: “As a St Aidan’s student in the 1960s the opening of the science laboratory heralded a new and exciting era for girls at the school.

My Science teacher inspired many in the field of science and physiology. I, however, was already set on a path of business studies so, for me, the newly found world of science was an ‘impossible dream’… for present and future generations of St Aidan’s girls, it can be a ‘reality’.”

At the close of the 2014 school year, $730,000 has been received through Periodic

Table of Elements donations, Major Gifts, attendance at Foundation Events, and other generous contributions made directly to the Science Appeal. In addition, over $140,000 in donations to the Building Fund has been received.

Milestone gifts and pledges to the Campaign included an initial $300,000 matching pledge from an Old Girl, $50,000 from the School’s P&F, $50,000 from a relative of an Old Girl, and a further $10,000 from a past family. An additional $100,000 was recently received from an Old Girl, and over 60% of the elements on the Periodic Table Honour Board have attracted donations. A current family also contributed $25,000, with the following sentiment: “We were inspired by the proposed vision of the Science Centre, and wanted to support Mrs Spiller and the St Aidan’s leadership

team in their focus on raising the bar in science education for girls. We also wanted to leave a legacy for future generations, and instil in our children the importance of giving, so that others can also benefit from the opportunities they themselves have been fortunate to have access to.”

The Foundation would like to convey its sincerest gratitude for the philanthropic support that our community has shown in 2014.

Refurbishment of the Science Centre is ahead of schedule, and we are looking forward to sharing this vibrant new space, which is sure to inspire future leaders and thinkers, with our community in 2015.

Please see the Foundation Newsletter, enclosed with your copy of the Huddle, for a sneak preview of how renovations of the Science Centre are progressing!

Tax Deductible donations can be made to the St Aidan’s Building, Scholarship or Endowment Funds, or towards the Campaign for the Sciences.

For more information please contact Gordana Pilgrim, Director of Development and Community, on 3373 5929, or email g.pilgrim@staidans.qld.edu.au.

50 huddle I december 2014

foundation

events 2014 Celebrating Community, Supporting Our Vision

The second half of the year was filled “From Year 7 to 12 I rowed in various boats with different mixes of girls and coaches; but it was my time in the 1st with festivities, with three Foundation Events gracing the school’s calendar.

Old Girl Lizzie Goldsmith (2004) addressed the 180 strong crowd gathered for the annual Father-Daughter Breakfast, Friday 5 September. It was wonderful to see the dads sporting the creative ties designed by the Junior School girls.

Friday 10 October saw 120 guests gather at Hillstone St Lucia for the annual Foundation Lunch, featuring the ever engaging Hayley Lewis as guest speaker. The Foundation would like to acknowledge the valuable support of our prize donors, volunteers and various event sponsors whose support greatly contributed to the event’s financial success.

2014 was also the 10th Anniversary for the much-loved Dads’ Junior School Disco, this year open to Years 7 and 8. The only theme appropriate enough to celebrate such a big occasion was, of course, Disco Fever!

huddle I december 2014 51

parents and friends - 2014

2014 has been a hugely successful year for the P & F and to you our parents we wish to thank you sincerely and wish you the best for the

A Bunnings Sausage Sizzle was held

Because of your collective

in April raising over $2,000 and the

contributions and efforts, the P&F

Junior School Obstacle-athon in July

has been able to make the following

$4,000.

donations to the School:

Of course, our regular school dances

•

festive season.

held in all four terms netted the P&F

2014 has been a hugely successful year for the P&F and we wish to thank our parents sincerely for making it so.

We have been very active during the year with various fundraising activities. We started the year with a Trivia Night in February which raised $10,000 and will return in 2015 on Saturday 14 February 2015.

52

nearly $38,000. Attendance at all dances has been tremendous and

Sports Equipment •

And we can’t forget to thank our staff

$4,600 to the School towards a new piano

the number of parent volunteers has been fabulous.

$4,000 to the Junior School for

•

$50,000 to the Foundation towards the Science Appeal

and volunteers in our core service

A big thank you to all our volunteers

areas of the Tuckshop, Uniform Shop

and various support groups who

and Textbook Hire. A great job has

have worked so hard to achieve such

been performed all year in all these

fantastic results this year. We will

areas and for your assistance we are

be holding the P&F Welcome and

truly grateful.

Thank you Drinks immediately after

We also launched our major

our AGM on Wednesday 25 February

fundraising initiative for year - the

2015. We look forward to seeing

Fiji Holiday Raffle which raised over

many of you there, welcoming you

$10,000.

back for a bigger and brighter 2015.

huddle I december 2014

alumni - creating a living bridge

Hollywood’s calling for Emma Ishta Emma Ishta (Douglas-Powell 2007)

Emma said “It feels surreal to have Stitchers get picked up.”

has secured a breakout role in the United States with her television pilot ‘Stitchers’ picked up for the coming season by ABC (American Broadcasting Company).

“As an actor, it really is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Emma’s success has not been an ‘overnight’ one. For more than 18 months she has been balancing a transitioning career from modelling to acting and a new family.

“I started the audition grind while still modelling to contribute to supporting my wonderful family. I did a number of guest stars on different TV shows, an independent film and my husband and I acted in (he also wrote and directed and produced) his first play as a part of the New York Fringe Festival over the summer. This sprinkled throughout with PTA meetings, field trips and after school activities, it’s been an incredibly busy 18 months!

When asked why the move from modelling to action Emma said “For me, the beauty in acting lies in being able to reach people, often in their darkest places, to make them feel less alone. I’m hoping that I will continue to be given the opportunity to tell stories that validate the human experience, that weave a

thread of continuity between us and inspire people to look at each other with a little more compassion and understanding.”

Emma starts filming in Hollywood in January however the biggest challenge she faces before then is relocating from New York to Los Angeles.

“My husband and beautiful step daughter will be staying in New York to keep things as stable as possible, so I will be travelling back and forth as frequently as I can”, Emma said.

As for the future Emma says “who can really know what the future will bring? I plan to just keep my head down, work hard, learn a lot, keep my values where they belong and take things one step at a time.”

Stitchers centres on a young woman recruited into a covert government agency to be “stitched” into the minds of the recently deceased, using their memories to investigate murders and decipher mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave.

Emma will play Kristen Clark, the smart, socially awkward girl with a rare condition, which makes her unable to feel emotions or correctly gauge the passage of time. huddle I december 2014 53

alumni - creating a living bridge

f r om The Archives The Archives has received a number of ‘treasures’ from Old Girls and St Aidan’s families including Elizabeth Fleming (Robinson 1975), Rachel Lewis (2013), Sarah Phelps (2011), Carol Lee (1980) and the MacGillivray Family (Jane Clouston 1976), Fiona Graham (1978) and Rachel Philip (1979).

Links across the generations A special occasion with Helen Barrett at Annual Awards (Speech Night) when she met Helen Summers (Luxton 1978) who was our guest speaker. In 2013 Helen won the Telstra Business Woman National award for Business Owners and the Northern Territory Business Woman of the Year. Helen is a strong advocate for eye health in regional and remote communities. The two Helen’s shared memories of their days at St Aidan’s. Helen Barrett was thrilled to also meet Chelsea Ho (winner of the Barrett Prize for Dux of the School) and Lydia Bell (winner of the Joyce Barrett Memorial Award, for high achievement and community service).

ABOVE RIGHT - Helen Barrett with Chelsea Ho and below Lydia Bell.

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Maya (Tonisson 1991) and Jorma Adamson welcomed Aurelia Mae Adamson born 9 September 2013.

Carly McComb (2001) and Gabriele welcomed a son Alessandro on 26 October 2013.

Engagements Carly Furly (2002) is engaged to Ben Narramore.

It was lovely to receive a treasure trove of historical items (photos, programs, articles and reminiscences) from Ruth Common, teacher 1965 to 1988 and her daughter Megan Miller (1985).

One the School’s most loved headmistresses, Sister Julian, was the topic of conversation when our archivist caught up with John Bruce (father of Selina 2002 and Jordanna 2007 and nephew of Sister Julian). John and the family have donated a number of Sister Julian’s personal belongings including the simple wooden cross that sat on her desk, photographs, prayer books and some of Sister Eleanor’s leatherwork.

Births

Michelle Hoyer (2007) is engaged to Brett Kronk.

Jane Alexander (2002) is engaged to Tom Johnson.

Genevieve Apted (2005) is engaged to Adam McNicol.

Marriages Tamara Wilson (1986) married Luigino De Luchi on 3 August 2013 Isabella Guest (2006) married Josh Parsons on 9 August 2014 1984 Mrs Ruth Common

Kristina Goot (2000) married Andre Dunn-Johnston on 7 December 2013 Rachel Capp (2007) married Trent Cowley on 3 September 2014.

Vale Kim Brumm (1971) passed away in July 2014 Ann (Elizabeth) Hazlewood (Appleby 1947) passed away in November 2014. Ann was one of four sisters to pass through the halls of St Aidan’s. She was Bronte House Captain and awarded the Barrett Prize for Dux. The Appleby name graces many of the school Honour Boards with her sisters Frances (1950), Susan (1952) and Clare (1955) also holding leadership positions.

alumni - creating a living bridge

Reunions

Reunions

YOUNG OLD GIRLS’ REUNION

YOUNG OLD GIRLS’ REUNION

The camaraderie of our Old Girls is strong with reunions being held this semester for the 5, 10, 25 and 30 year groups. We also held interstate reunions in the ACT and Victoria. At our Canberra reunion, it was incredible to find out that a couple of girls worked in the same government department (Defence) and did not know until the reunion they were all St Aidan’s girls living and working only meters from each other!

MELBOURNE REUNION

BUSINESS BREAKFAST huddle I december 2014 55

alumni - creating a living bridge

Where are they now Kristina Dunn-Johnston (Goot 2000) graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science with first class honours in 2005. After travelling overseas, she returned to Brisbane in 2007 and commenced her Masters of Science (Conservation Biology).

During this time she worked as an Air Quality Modeller with the Queensland Government. This research focused on natural emissions in the Gladstone air shed. Following this she took up her current position as a research assistant for the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (UQ) where the focus is the source, transport and fate of contaminants in the marine environment, with particular focus on green turtles and dugongs along the Queensland coastline.

Kate Pidgeon (2012) is studying Commerce Law with a Concurrent Diploma in Chinese at UQ and is fully involved in Uni life, living in St John’s College. Kate has participated in the National Association of University Colleges and will be the Queensland representative in 2015. Kate is also involved with UQLS Allens Junior Negotiation competition and the UQLS Corrs Westgarth Junior Moot as well as dancing, singing and rowing for St John’s.

Rebecca Wilson (Philbrick 1992) has launched her own marketing consultancy, Stretch Marketing, and has since created the ‘Starts at Sixty’ community. The ‘Starts at Sixty’ business has been successful in being one of eight companies selected in a global start-up incubator project.

Ell Sachs (2008) completed her Bachelor of Creative Arts before studying at the Philppe Graulier School of Clowning. Ell will be performing at the Woodford Folk Festival this year.

Sisters’ Banner We now have a colourful new Banner celebrating the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. This banner is carried along with the St Aidan’s Banner at all special School Events. Thanks to the Old Girls Association for funding this lovely Banner.

Skye Anderton (Sheaffe 1996) won the Telstra Young Business Women’s Award for Queensland. Her Ruby Olive Jewellery stocked through more than 100 boutiques across Australia. Skye wanted to create a brand that oozed soul, told a story and had a reason for being - not just another product on the market. The brand she has created has aims to “celebrate traditional skills and artisan craftsmanship” and create “sustainable products with a beautiful conscience and an ethical heart”.

Skye was also listed in the Courier Mail’s top 50 Best and Brightest.

Reunions and Old Girl Events 2015 12 March

7 am

Law/Business Breakfast

24 March

10 am

1965 50 Year Reunion

26 March

7 am

Health Breakfast

6 May

7 am

Creative Industries/Architecture, Engineering, Building and Town Planning Breakfast

14 May

11 am

Ascension Day 1945 70 Year Reunion 1955 60 Year Reunion

17 May

12 noon

1974 40 Year Reunion

25 July

6 pm

1994 20 Year Reunion

9 August

10 am

Canberra Reunion

5 September

2 pm

Sydney Reunion

16 October

6 pm

Young Old Girls’ Reunion

24 October

2 pm

Melbourne Reunion

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huddle I december 2014

Educate Plus Awards for Excellence 2014 We were very excited to be named as a finalist in the Alumni and/or Community Campaign section. This award recognises excellence in a series of activities or programs designed to engage with Alumni and/or Community. Our entry, ‘Women In – ‘ was in relation to our work on our networking functions, Old Girl interactions with current students (speakers.

Prize presenters, mentoring) and online and social media networking facilitated by St Aidan’s.

St Aidan’s Kindergarten wishes you a wonderful New Year For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

T.S. Eliot

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School

confidence and success 11 Ruthven Street Corinda Qld 4075 T: 61 7 3373 5999 F: 61 7 3379 9432 E: school@staidans.qld.edu.au www.staidans.qld.edu.au A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent